FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Alicia Crank
Seattle CityClub
206.682.7395
aliciac@seattlecityclub.org
cityclub@seattlecityclub.org
UPDATED: WSDC Announces Cancellation of 2024 Gubernatorial Debate
SEATTLE – Aug. 23, 2024 – Seattle CityClub Executive Director Alicia Crank is amending the statement regarding the cancellation of the gubernatorial debate at Central Washington University on Friday, October 11.
“While the majority of the statement is accurate, the uses of ‘withdraw’ and ‘pulling out of the debate’ were too strong of a description to summarize what happened.
“While both campaigns initially stated they would ‘save the date,” and had proactive follow-up from each after the primary, we were told a formal confirmation would come if the other side did so first.
“After more than a week of back-and-forth with both teams, the Ferguson campaign, after the Reichert campaign originally declined, indicated they would participate if their opponent’s campaign changed their mind and did so in writing.”
“In good faith, we kept the lines of communication going, and the Reichert campaign decided to commit. After notifying the Ferguson campaign of this update, they chose without explanation to decline anyway.
“I completely own and apologize for the terminology used in the midst of frustration to convey the final outcome, though the result from these interactions remains the same.”
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About the Washington State Debate Coalition (WSDC)
Founded by Seattle CityClub in 2016, the WSDC has produced public debates across the state, including events for gubernatorial elections and U.S. Senate races, serving an audience of over 3 million people. The WSDC is supported every election cycle by media, education, and civic partners committed to the belief that making public debates available to all is crucial to a functioning democracy.